Carton and blank therefor

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a carton for packaging one or more articles. The carton comprises a side wall and a top portion formed in part by a top wall panel and an upper end closure panel hinged to the top wall panel along a first end edge thereof. A carrying handle is defined in the top portion. A gusset panel is hinged to the upper end closure panel along a first side edge. An anchor panel is hinged to the gusset panel and to the side wall. The anchor panel is folded into a face to face relationship with the side panel so as to secure the upper end closure panel in a closed condition. A handle-reinforcing structure is disposed at least in part about the carrying handle. The handle-reinforcing structure is coupled to the anchor panel by two or more connecting panels.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to cartons and to blanks for forming the same. More specifically, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a carton, a handle; the handle having a handle reinforcing structure.

BACKGROUND

In the field of packaging it is known to provide cartons for carrying multiple articles. Cartons are well known in the art and are useful for enabling consumers to transport, store and access a group of articles for consumption. For cost and environmental considerations, such cartons or carriers need to be formed from as little material as possible and cause as little wastage in the materials from which they are formed as possible. Further considerations are the strength of the carton and its suitability for holding and transporting large weights of articles. It is desirable that the contents of the carton are secure within the carton.

It is well known to provide a carton with a handle structure. It is desirable that the handle structure is sufficiently strong enough to bear the load of the carton contents. It is a further object of this disclosure to provide a reinforced handle structure which is readily assembled.

The present invention seeks to provide an improvement in the field of cartons, typically formed from paperboard or the like.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a carton for packaging one or more articles, the carton comprising:

-   -   a first side wall;     -   a top portion formed in part by a top wall panel and a first         upper end closure panel hinged to the top wall panel along a         first end edge thereof;     -   a carrying handle defined in the top portion;     -   a first gusset panel hinged to the first upper end closure panel         along a first side edge;     -   a first anchor panel hinged to the first gusset panel and to the         first side wall, the first anchor panel being folded into a face         to face relationship with the first side panel so as to secure         the first upper end closure panel in a closed condition;

and a first handle reinforcing structure disposed at least in part about the carrying handle, wherein the first handle reinforcing structure is coupled to the first anchor panel by two or more first connecting panels.

Optionally, the carton comprises a second upper end closure panel hinged to the top wall panel along a second end edge thereof; a second gusset panel hinged to the second upper end closure panel along a first side edge; a second anchor panel hinged to the second gusset panel and to the first side wall, the second anchor panel being folded into a face to face relationship with the first side panel so as to secure the second upper closure panel in a closed condition; wherein the first handle reinforcing structure is coupled to the second anchor panel by two or more second connecting panels.

Optionally, the carrying handle comprises a handle strap portion defined in the top wall panel by a pair of openings defined in the top wall panel.

Optionally, each of the pair of openings is defined at least in part by a cushioning flap hinged to the handle strap portion.

Optionally, the carrying handle comprises an aperture defined in the top wall panel of the carton.

Optionally, the carrying handle comprises an aperture defined in the at least one upper end closure panel.

Optionally, the carrying handle comprises a strap which is deployable through an opening in the top wall panel.

Optionally, the carrying handle comprises a strap which is automatically deployed through an aperture in the top wall panel when the at least one end closure panel is folded with respect to the top wall panel.

Optionally, the top portion is formed from a first blank and the carton comprises a base portion including a base panel formed from a second blank.

Optionally, the carton is of the wrap-around type and comprises a second side wall and a base wall formed from a single unitary blank.

Optionally, the carton comprises a second side wall; a third gusset panel hinged to the first upper end closure panel along a second side edge opposing the first side edge; a fourth gusset panel hinged to the second upper end closure panel along a second side edge opposing the first side edge; a third anchor panel hinged to the third gusset panel and to the second side wall, the third anchor panel being folded into a face to face relationship with the second side panel so as to secure the first upper end closure panel in a closed condition; a fourth anchor panel hinged to the fourth gusset panel and to the second side wall, the fourth anchor panel being folded into a face to face relationship with the second side panel so as to secure the second upper end closure panel in a closed condition; and a second handle-reinforcing structure disposed at least in part about the carrying handle, wherein the second handle reinforcing structure is coupled to the third anchor panel by two or more third connecting panels and to the fourth anchor panel by two or more fourth connecting panels.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a blank for forming a carton. The blank comprises:

-   -   a first side wall panel;     -   a top portion formed in part by a top wall panel and a first         upper end closure panel hinged to the top wall panel along a         first end edge thereof;     -   a carrying handle;     -   a first gusset panel hinged to the first upper end closure panel         along a first side edge;     -   a first anchor panel hinged to the first gusset panel and to the         first side wall panel;     -   and a handle reinforcing structure comprising a first handle         reinforcing panel coupled to the first anchor panel by two or         more first connecting panels.

Within the scope of this application it is envisaged and intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings may be taken independently or in any combination thereof. For example, features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless there is incompatibility of features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view from above of a first blank for forming a carton according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a plan view from above of a second blank for forming a tray portion of a carton for use with the blanks of FIGS. 1, 5, 7 and 9 ;

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate stages of construction of a carton from the blank of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 1 and the blank of FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 5 is a plan view from above of a first blank for forming a carton according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 5 and the blank of FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 7 is a plan view from above of a first blank for forming a carton according to a third embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 7 and the blank of FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 9 is a plan view from above of a first blank for forming a carton according to a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 9 and the blank of FIG. 2 ; and

FIG. 11 is a plan view from above of a first blank for forming a carton according to a fifth embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the package, blanks and cartons are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the way in which certain aspects of the invention can be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive list of all of the ways the invention may be embodied. As used herein, the word “exemplary” is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serve as illustrations, specimens, models, or patterns. Indeed, it will be understood that the packages, blanks and cartons described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The Figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimised to show details of particular components. Well-known components, materials or methods are not necessarily described in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the invention.

Referring to FIG. 1 , there is shown a plan view of a first blank 10; together with a second blank 70 shown in FIG. 2 , the first blank 10 forms a carton or carrier 90, as shown in FIG. 4 . The carton 90 is suitable for containing and carrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to, bottles or cans, hereinafter referred to as articles B, as shown in FIG. 4 . The first blank 10 and second blank 70 together form a secondary package for packaging at least one primary product container or package.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 7 and 9 , there are shown plan views of blanks 110, 210, 310 which, together with the second blank 70 of FIG. 2 , are capable of forming a carton or carrier 190, 290, 390 for containing and carrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to, bottles or cans, hereinafter referred to as articles B. The third, fourth and fifth blanks 110, 210, 310 and the second blank 70 together form alternative secondary packages for packaging at least one primary product container or package.

Referring to FIG. 11 , there is shown a plan view of a blank 410 capable of forming a carton or carrier (not shown) for containing and carrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to, bottles or cans, hereinafter referred to as articles B. The blank 410 forms a secondary package for packaging at least one primary product container or package.

In the embodiments detailed herein, the terms “carton” and “carrier” refer, for the non-limiting purpose of illustrating the various features of the invention, to a container for engaging and carrying articles, such as primary product containers. It is contemplated that the teachings of the invention can be applied to various product containers, which may or may not be tapered and/or cylindrical. Exemplary containers include bottles (for example metallic, glass or plastics bottles), cans (for example aluminium cans), tins, pouches, packets and the like.

The blanks 10,110, 210, 310, 410 are formed from a sheet of suitable substrate. It is to be understood that, as used herein, the term “suitable substrate” includes all manner of foldable sheet material such as paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic, combinations thereof, and the like. It should be recognized that one or other numbers of blanks may be employed, where suitable, for example, to provide the carrier structure described in more detail below. The packaging structures or cartons described herein may be formed from a sheet material such as paperboard, which may be made of or coated with materials to increase its strength.

In the illustrated embodiments, the blanks 10,110, 210, 310 are configured to form a carton or carrier 90, 190, 290, 390 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles B. In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 10 , the arrangement is a 3×4 matrix or array; in the illustrated embodiment three rows of four articles are provided, and the articles B are beverage cans. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11 , the arrangement is a 4×4 matrix or array; in the illustrated embodiment four rows of four articles are provided, and the articles B are beverage cans. Alternatively, the blanks 10, 110, 210, 310, 410 can be configured to form a carrier for packaging other types, number and size of articles and/or for packaging articles in a different arrangement or configuration.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the first blank 10 comprises a plurality of main panels 14, 16, 18 hinged one to the next in a linear series. The plurality of main panels 14, 16, 18 of the blank 10 form walls of a carton in a set up condition. The first blank 10 comprises a first wall panel 14, which forms a first upper side wall of the carton 90 (see FIG. 4 ). The first wall panel 14 is hinged to a second wall panel 16 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 15. The second wall panel 16 forms a top wall of the carton 90 as shown in FIG. 4 . The second wall panel 16 is hinged to a third wall panel 18 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 17. The third wall panel 18 forms a second upper side wall 18 of the carton 90 as shown in FIG. 4 .

Referring to FIG. 2 , the second blank 70 comprises a main panel 74 for forming a base wall of a carrier 90 (see FIG. 4 ). The second blank 70 comprises a first lower side wall panel 72 c, hinged to a first side edge of the main panel 74 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 73 c. The second blank 70 comprises a second lower side wall panel 72 d hinged to a second side edge, the second side edge opposing the first side edge, of the main panel 74, by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 73 d.

The first wall panel 14 of the first blank 10 is secured to the first lower side wall panel 72 c of the second blank 70 to form a first composite side wall 14/72 c of the carton 90. The second wall panel 18 of the first blank 10 is secured to the second lower side wall panel 72 d of the second blank 70 to form a second composite side wall 18/72 d of the carton 90. The first and second composite walls 14/72 c, 18/72 d, together with the second wall panel 16 and the main panel 74, form a tubular structure.

The carton 90 comprises end closure structures for at least partially closing each of the tubular structures. Each end closure structure is formed in part from the first blank 10 and in part by the second blank 70.

The first blank 10 comprises a first upper end closure panel 34 a hinged to a first end edge of the top panel 16 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 35 a. The first blank 10 comprises a second upper end closure panel 34 b hinged to a second end edge of the top panel 16 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 35 b.

The first upper end closure panel 34 a is hingedly connected along a first side edge to a first gusset panel 32 a by a fold line 37 a. The first gusset panel 32 a is hingedly connected to a first web panel 30 a, by a fold line 33 a. The first web panel 30 a is hingedly connected to a first inner anchor panel 28 a by a fold line 31 a. The first inner anchor panel 28 a is hingedly connected to a first outer anchor panel 26 a by a fold line 27 a. The first outer anchor panel 26 a is hingedly connected to a first bridging panel 24 a by a fold line 25 a. The first bridging panel 24 a is hingedly connected to a first end reinforcing panel 22 a by a pair of fold lines 21 a, 23 a. The first outer anchor panel 26 a and first bridging panel 24 a form a pair of connecting panels between the first end reinforcing panel 22 a and the first inner anchor panel 28 a.

The first upper end closure panel 34 a is hingedly connected along a second side edge to a second gusset panel 36 a by a fold line 39 a. The second gusset panel 36 a is hingedly connected to a second web panel 38 a by a fold line 43 a. The second web panel 38 a is hingedly connected to a second inner anchor panel 40 a by a fold line 45 a. The second inner anchor panel 40 a is hingedly connected to a second outer anchor panel 42 a by a fold line 47 a. The second outer anchor panel 42 a is hingedly connected to a second bridging panel 44 a by a fold line 49 a. The second bridging panel 44 a is hingedly connected to a second end reinforcing panel 46 a by a pair of fold lines 51 a, 53 a.

The second upper end closure panel 34 b is hingedly connected along a first side edge to a third gusset panel 32 b by a fold line 37 b. The third gusset panel 32 b is hingedly connected to a third web panel 30 b by a fold line 33 b. The third web panel 30 b is hingedly connected to a third inner anchor panel 28 b by a fold line 31 b. The third inner anchor panel 28 b is hingedly connected to a third outer anchor panel 26 b by a fold line 27 b. The third outer anchor panel 26 b is hingedly connected to a third bridging panel 24 b by a fold line 25 b. The third bridging panel 24 b is hingedly connected to a third end reinforcing panel 22 b by a pair of fold lines 21 b, 23 b.

The second upper end closure panel 34 b is hingedly connected along a second side edge to a fourth gusset panel 36 b by a fold line 39 b. The fourth gusset panel 36 b is hingedly connected to a fourth web panel 38 b, by a fold line 43 b. The fourth web panel 38 b is hingedly connected to a fourth inner anchor panel 40 b by a fold line 45 b. The fourth inner anchor panel 40 b is hingedly connected to a fourth outer anchor panel 42 b by a fold line 47 b. The fourth outer anchor panel 42 b is hingedly connected to a fourth bridging panel 44 b by a fold line 49 b. The fourth bridging panel 44 b is hingedly connected to a fourth end reinforcing panel 46 b by a pair of fold lines 51 b, 53 b.

The first inner anchor panel 28 a is hingedly connected to a first end edge of the first wall panel 14 by a fold line 29 a. The second inner anchor panel 40 a is hingedly connected to a first end edge of the third wall panel 18 by a fold line 41 a. The third inner anchor panel 28 b is hingedly connected to a second end edge of the first wall panel 14 by a fold line 29 b. The fourth inner anchor panel 40 b is hingedly connected to a second end edge of the third wall panel 18 by a fold line 41 b.

The first outer anchor panel 26 a and the first bridging panel 24 a are separated from the first wall panel 14 by a first aperture A2. The second outer anchor panel 42 a and the second bridging panel 44 a are separated from the third wall panel 18 by a second aperture A8. The third outer anchor panel 26 b and the third bridging panel 24 b are separated from the first wall panel 14 by a third aperture A3. The fourth outer anchor panel 42 b and the second bridging panel 44 b are separated from the third wall panel 18 by a fourth aperture A9.

Optionally, the third wall panel 18 comprises a dispensing feature D in the form of a tear panel 18 a. The tear panel 18 a is defined in part by a pair of converging weakened lines of severance 62 a, 62 b. A cutline 64 b interconnects the pair of converging weakened lines of severance 62 a, 62 b so as to form a continuous weakened line which is substantially “U” shaped. The cutline 64 b defines in part a tear initiation tab T which is hingedly connected to the tear panel 18 a by a fold line 64 a.

The second wall panel 16 comprises a handle structure H. The handle structure H comprises a strap portion S defined, in the second wall panel 16, in part by a first fold line 55 a and a second fold line 55 b. A first end of the strap portion S is defined by a first pair of divergently arranged fold lines 63 a, 63 d. A second end of the strap portion S is defined by a second pair of divergently arranged fold lines 63 b, 63 c. Fold line 63 a and fold line 63 b are contiguous with first fold line 55 a. Fold line 63 c and fold line 63 d are contiguous with second fold line 55 b.

A first cushioning flap 50 a is hinged to a first side edge of the strap portion S and second cushioning flap 50 b is hinged to a second side edge of the strap portion S.

A first hinged flap 52 a is disposed adjacent to a first end of the first cushioning flap 50 a and a second hinged flap 52 b is disposed adjacent to a second end of the first cushioning flap 50 a. The first and second hinged flaps 52 a, 52 b are hingedly connected to the second top wall panel 16 by fold lines 57 a, 57 b respectively. The first and second hinged flaps 52 a, 52 b are hinged in opposition to the first cushioning flap 50 a.

A third hinged flap 52 d is disposed adjacent to a first end of the second cushioning flap 50 b and a fourth hinged flap 52 c is disposed adjacent to a second end of the second cushioning flap 50 b. The third and fourth hinged flaps 52 d, 52 c are hingedly connected to the second top wall panel 16 by fold lines 57 d, 57 c respectively. The third and fourth hinged flaps 52 d, 52 c are hinged in opposition to the second cushioning flap 50 b.

The first hinged flap 52 a is defined in part by a cutline 59 a, which separates the first hinged flap 52 a from the first cushioning flap 50 a. The second hinged flap 52 b is defined in part by a cutline 59 b, which separates the second hinged flap 52 b from the first cushioning flap 50 a.

The third hinged flap 52 d is defined in part by a cutline 59 d, which separates the third hinged flap 59 d from the second cushioning flap 50 b. The fourth hinged flap 52 c is defined in part by a cutline 59 c, which separates the fourth hinged flap 52 c from the second cushioning flap 50 b.

The blank 10 comprises a first handle reinforcing structure. A first handle reinforcing panel 12 is hingedly connected between the first end reinforcing panel 22 a and the third end reinforcing panel 22 b by fold lines which are interrupted by apertures A11, A12 respectively.

The blank 10 comprises an optional second handle reinforcing structure. A second handle reinforcing panel 20 is hingedly connected between the second end reinforcing panel 46 a and the fourth end reinforcing panel 46 b by fold lines which are interrupted by apertures A13, A14 respectively.

Referring now to FIG. 2 the second blank 70 comprises a first lower end wall panel 72 a hinged to the main panel 74 by a fold line 73 a. The second blank 70 comprises a second lower end wall panel 72 b hinged to the main panel 74 by a fold line 73 b.

The first lower end wall panel 72 a is hingedly connected to the first lower side wall panel 72 c by a first corner panel 76 a, a first securing panel 78 a and a first lower gusset panel 80 a. The first lower end wall panel 72 a is hinged to the first corner panel 76 a by a fold line 75 a; the first corner panel 76 a is hinged to the first securing panel 78 a by a fold line 77 a; the first securing panel 78 a is hinged to the first lower gusset panel 80 a by a fold line 79 a; and the first lower gusset panel 80 a is hinged to the first lower side wall panel 72 c by a fold line 81 a.

The first lower end wall panel 72 a is hingedly connected to the second lower side wall panel 72 d by a second corner panel 76 b, a second securing panel 78 b and a second lower gusset panel 80 b. The first lower end wall panel 72 a is hinged to the second corner panel 76 b by a fold line 75 b; the second corner panel 76 b is hinged to the second securing panel 78 b by a fold line 77 b; the second securing panel 78 b is hinged to the second lower gusset panel 80 b by a fold line 79 b; and the second lower gusset panel 80 b is hinged to the second lower side wall panel 72 d by a fold line 81 b.

The second lower end wall panel 72 b is hingedly connected to the first lower side wall panel 72 c by a third corner panel 76 c, a third securing panel 78 c and a third lower gusset panel 80 c. The second lower end wall panel 72 b is hinged to the third corner panel 76 c by a fold line 75 c; the third corner panel 76 c is hinged to the third securing panel 78 c by a fold line 77 c; the third securing panel 78 c is hinged to the third lower gusset panel 80 c by a fold line 79 c; and the third lower gusset panel 80 c is hinged to the first lower side wall panel 72 c by a fold line 81 c.

The second lower end wall panel 72 b is hingedly connected to the second lower side wall panel 72 d by a fourth corner panel 76 d, a fourth securing panel 78 d and a fourth lower gusset panel 80 d. The second lower end wall panel 72 b is hinged to the fourth corner panel 76 d by a fold line 75 d; the fourth corner panel 76 d is hinged to the fourth securing panel 78 d by a fold line 77 d; the fourth securing panel 78 d is hinged to the fourth lower gusset panel 80 d by a fold line 79 d; and the fourth lower gusset panel 80 d is hinged to the second lower side wall panel 72 d by a fold line 81 d.

Optionally, the main panel 74 comprises a plurality of apertures A21, A22, A23, A24, A25, A26, A27, A28, A29, A30, A31, A32 struck therefrom.

The plurality of apertures A21, A22, A23, A24, A25, A26, A27, A28, A29, A30, A31, A32, may be arranged in a matrix or array comprising three rows and four columns. Optionally, the apertures A21, A25, A29, A24, A28, A32 in the endmost columns are struck in part from the main panel 74 and in part from the adjacent one of the first and second lower side wall panels 72 c, 72 d.

Turning to the construction of the carrier 90 from the first blank 10 and the second blank 70, the carrier 90 may be formed by a series of sequential folding operations in a straight line machine so that the carrier 90 may not be required to be inverted to complete its construction.

Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to an inner surface of the first handle reinforcing panel 12 and inner surfaces of the first end reinforcing panel 22 a and the third end reinforcing panel 22 b. In other embodiments glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to an inner surface of the second wall panel 16.

Optionally, glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to an inner surface of the first outer anchor panel 26 a and third outer anchor panel 26 b. In other embodiments glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to an inner surface of the first inner anchor panel 28 a and to the third inner anchor panel 28 b.

The blank 10 is then folded as indicated by direction arrow D1 about the fold lines 27 a, 27 b so as to bring the first handle reinforcing panel 12 into face contacting relationship with the second wall panel 16, and the first end reinforcing panel 22 a and the third end reinforcing panel 22 b into face contacting relationship with the respective one of the first and second upper end closure panels 34 a, 34 b.

The first handle reinforcing panel 12 is secured to the second wall panel 16. The first end reinforcing panel 22 a is secured to the first upper end closure panel 34 a and the third end reinforcing panel 22 b is secured to the second upper end closure panel 34 b, as shown in FIG. 3A.

The first outer anchor panel 26 a may be secured to the first inner anchor panel 28 a and the third outer anchor panel 26 b may be secured to the third inner anchor panel 28 b.

Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to an inner surface of the second handle reinforcing panel 20 and inner surfaces of the second end reinforcing panel 46 a and the fourth end reinforcing panel 46 b. In other embodiments glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to an outer surface of the first handle reinforcing panel 12 and outer surfaces of the first end reinforcing panel 22 a and the third end reinforcing panel 22 b.

Optionally, glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to an inner surface of the second outer anchor panel 42 a and fourth outer anchor panel 42 b. In other embodiments glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to an inner surface of the second inner anchor panel 40 a and to the fourth inner anchor panel 40 b.

The blank 10 is then folded as indicated by direction arrow D2 about the fold lines 47 a, 47 b so as to bring the second handle reinforcing panel 20 into face contacting relationship with the first handle reinforcing panel 12, and the second end reinforcing panel 46 a and the fourth end reinforcing panel 46 b into face contacting relationship with the respective one of the first and third end reinforcing panels 22 a, 22 b.

The second handle reinforcing panel 20 is secured to the first handle reinforcing panel 12. The second end reinforcing panel 46 a is secured to the first end reinforcing panel 22 a and the fourth end reinforcing panel 46 b is secured to the third end reinforcing panel 22 b, as shown in FIG. 3B.

The second outer anchor panel 42 a may be secured to the second inner anchor panel 40 a and fourth outer anchor panel 42 b may be secured to the fourth inner anchor panel 40 b.

Optionally, the second handle reinforcing panel 20 may be secured to the second wall panel 16. The second end reinforcing panel 46 a may be secured to the first upper end closure panel 34 a. The fourth end reinforcing panel 46 b may be secured to the second upper end closure panel 34 b.

The blank 10 can be shipped or distributed in this form, as shown in FIG. 3B, to a conversion plant where the blank 10 is erected about a group of articles B.

In order to form a carton 90 the second blank 70 is erected to form a tray 70, see FIG. 4 . The first securing panel 78 a and third securing panel 78 c are each secured to the first lower side wall panel 72 c. The second securing panel 78 b and fourth securing panel 78 d are each secured to the second lower side wall panel 72 d.

The tray is loaded with at least one article; in the embodiments shown in FIG. 4 the tray is loaded with a group of articles.

Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to an inner surface of the first wall panel 14 and the third wall panel 18. In other embodiments glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to an outer surface of the first and second lower side wall panels 72 c, 72 d.

The blank 10 is placed over the loaded tray 70. The first, second, third and fourth inner anchor panels 28 a, 40 a, 28 b, 40 b are folded about the fold lines 29 a, 29 b, 41 a, 41 b respectively.

The first, second, third and fourth inner anchor panels 28 a, 40 a, 28 b, 40 b are folded so as to be disposed between the group of articles B and the respective one of the first and third wall panels 14, 18.

The first wall panel 14 is secured to the first lower side wall panel 72 c. The third wall panel 18 is secured to the second lower side wall panel 72 d, so as to form the carton 90 shown in FIG. 4 .

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6 , there is shown an additional embodiment of the present disclosure. In the second illustrated embodiment like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix “100” to indicate that these features belong to the second embodiment. The additional embodiment shares many common features with the first embodiment and therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4 will be described in detail.

Referring to FIG. 5 , there is shown a plan view of a third blank 110; together with the second blank 70 of FIG. 2 , the third blank 110 forms a carton or carrier 190, as shown in FIG. 6 . The carton 190 is suitable for containing and carrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to, bottles or cans, hereinafter referred to as articles B, as shown in FIG. 6 . The third blank 110 and second blank 70 together form a secondary package for packaging at least one primary product container or package.

Referring again to FIG. 5 , the third blank 110 comprises a plurality of main panels 114, 116, 118 hinged one to the next in a linear series. The plurality of main panels 114, 116, 118 of the blank 110 form walls of a carton 190 in a set up condition. The third blank 110 comprises a first wall panel 114, which forms a first upper side wall of the carton 190 (see FIG. 6 ). The first wall panel 114 is hinged to a second wall panel 116 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 115. The second wall panel 116 forms a top wall of the carton 190 as shown in FIG. 6 . The second wall panel 116 is hinged to a third wall panel 118 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 117. The third wall panel 118 forms a second upper side wall 118 of the carton 190 as shown in FIG. 6 .

The blank 110 comprises an alternative handle structure. This structure comprises a handle aperture HA struck from within the second wall panel 16. The handle aperture HA is substantially rectangular in shape, however in alternative embodiment other shapes may be employed. The first handle reinforcing panel 112 comprises a central strap portion 112A which is configured to be in vertical registry with the handle aperture HA. The second handle reinforcing panel 120 is likewise configured with a central strap portion which is disposed in vertical registry with the handle aperture HA and the central strap portion 112A of the first handle reinforcing panel 112. The first and second handle reinforcing panels 112, 120 together form a handle strap which can be withdrawn through the handle aperture HA. The second handle reinforcing panel 120 may be secured to the first handle reinforcing panel 112, for example, but not limited to, by employing glue or other adhesive treatment.

The first and second handle reinforcing panels 112, 120 may be unsecured to the second top panel 116 so as to be free to move with respect thereto. Similarly portions of the first, second, third and fourth end reinforcing panels 122 a, 146 a, 122 b, 146 b may be unsecured to the respective ones of the first and second upper end closure panels 134 a, 134 b so as to be free to move with respect thereto.

As shown in FIG. 6 the handle strap 112 a protrudes through the handle aperture HA. The handle strap 112 a may be configured to automatically protrude through the handle aperture HA when the first and second upper end closure panels 134 a, 134 b are folded with respect to the second wall panel 116. This may be achieved by offsetting the fold line between the first handle reinforcing panel 112 and the first end reinforcing panel 122 a with respect to the fold line 135 a. Similarly, the fold line between the first handle reinforcing panel 112 and the third end reinforcing panel 122 b may be offset with respect to the fold line 135 b, the fold line between the second handle reinforcing panel 120 and the second end reinforcing panel 146 a may be offset with respect to the fold line 135 a and the fold line between the second handle reinforcing panel 120 and the fourth end reinforcing panel 146 b may be offset with respect to the fold line 135 b. In this way the handle strap 112 a may be configured to be longer in length dimension than the second wall panel 116 so that the handle strap 112 a is forced through the handle aperture HA when the carton 190 is assembled.

The end portion of the handle strap 112 a may be arranged to broaden towards the respective adjacent end reinforcing panel 122 a, 122 b, 146 a, 146 b. In this way the end portions of the handle strap 112 a restrict the extent to which the handle strap 122 a can be withdrawn through the handle aperture HA.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8 , there is shown an additional embodiment of the present disclosure. In the third illustrated embodiment like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix “200” to indicate that these features belong to the third embodiment. The additional embodiment shares many common features with the first two embodiments and therefore only the differences from the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6 will be described in detail.

Referring to FIG. 7 , there is shown a plan view of a fourth blank 210; together with the second blank 70 of FIG. 2 , the fourth blank 210 forms a carton or carrier 290, as shown in FIG. 8 . The carton 290 is suitable for containing and carrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to, bottles or cans, hereinafter referred to as articles B, as shown in FIG. 8 . The fourth blank 210 and second blank 70 together form a secondary package for packaging at least one primary product container or package.

Referring again to FIG. 7 , the first blank 210 comprises a plurality of main panels 214, 216, 218 hinged one to the next in a linear series. The plurality of main panels 214, 216, 218 of the blank 210 form walls of a carton 290 in a set up condition. The first blank 210 comprises a first wall panel 214, which forms a first upper side wall of the carton 290 (see FIG. 8 ). The first wall panel 214 is hinged to a second wall panel 216 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 215. The second wall panel 216 forms a top wall of the carton 290 as shown in FIG. 8 . The second wall panel 216 is hinged to a third wall panel 218 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 217. The third wall panel 218 forms a second upper side wall 218 of the carton 290 as shown in FIG. 8 .

The blank 210 comprises an alternative handle structure. This structure comprises a first handle aperture HA1 struck from within the first upper end closure panel 234 a and a second handle aperture HA2 struck from within the second upper end closure panel 234 b. The first and second handle apertures HA1, HA2 are substantially rectangular in shape; however, in alternative embodiments, other shapes may be employed. The first handle aperture HA1 is defined at least in part by a first handle cushioning flap HF1 which is hingedly connected to the first upper end closure panel 234 a by a fold line 283 a. The second handle aperture HA2 is defined at least in part by a second handle cushioning flap HF2 which is hingedly connected to the second upper end closure panel 234 b by a fold line 283 b.

The first end reinforcing panel 222 a comprises a first recess R1 which is configured to be in registry with a portion of the first handle aperture HA1 when in an assembled condition. The second end reinforcing panel 246 a comprises a second recess R3 which is configured to be in registry with a portion of the first handle aperture HA1 when in an assembled condition.

In this way the first and second end reinforcing panels 222 a, 246 a reinforce the first handle aperture HA1.

The first handle cushioning flap HF1 may pass through each of the first and second recesses R1, R3 when the handle structure is in use.

The third end reinforcing panel 222 b comprises a third recess R2 which is configured to be in registry with a portion of the second handle aperture HA2 when in an assembled condition.

The fourth end reinforcing panel 246 b comprises a fourth recess R4 which is configured to be in registry with a portion of the second handle aperture HA2 when in an assembled condition.

In this way the third and fourth end reinforcing panels 222 b, 246 b reinforce the second handle aperture HA2.

The second handle cushioning flap HF2 may pass through each of the third and fourth recesses R3, R4 when the handle structure is in use.

The first and second handle reinforcing panels 212, 220 may provide additional strength to the handle structure, and may serve to distribute or spread the load forces over a greater area of the carton 290 so as to reduce the likelihood of tearing.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10 , there is shown an additional embodiment of the present disclosure. In the fourth illustrated embodiment like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix “300” to indicate that these features belong to the fourth embodiment. The additional embodiment shares many common features with the previous embodiments and therefore only the differences from the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8 will be described in detail.

Referring to FIG. 9 , there is shown a plan view of a first blank 310; together with the second blank 70 of FIG. 2 , the fifth blank 310 forms a carton or carrier 390, as shown in FIG. 10 . The carton 390 is suitable for containing and carrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to, bottles or cans, hereinafter referred to as articles B, as shown in FIG. 10 . The first blank 310 and second blank 70 together form a secondary package for packaging at least one primary product container or package.

Referring again to FIG. 9 , the fifth blank 310 comprises a plurality of main panels 314, 316, 318 hinged one to the next in a linear series. The plurality of main panels 314, 316, 318 of the 30 blank 310 form walls of a carton 390 in a set up condition. The fifth blank 310 comprises a first wall panel 314, which forms a first upper side wall of the carton 390 (see FIG. 10 ). The first wall panel 314 is hinged to a second wall panel 316 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 315. The second wall panel 316 forms a top wall of the carton 390 as shown in FIG. 10 . The second wall panel 316 is hinged to a third wall panel 318 by a hinged connection such as a 35 fold line 317. The third wall panel 318 forms a second upper side wall 318 of the carton 390 as shown in FIG. 10 .

The blank 310 comprises an alternative handle structure. This structure comprises a handle strap 361 a defined in part in the second wall panel 316 and having a first end portion E1 defined in the first upper end closure panel 334 a and a second end portion E2 defined in the second upper end closure panel 334 b. The handle strap 361 a is defined in part by first weakened line of severance or cutline 399 a and in part by a second weakened line of severance or cutline 399 b. The first and second weakened lines of severance 399 a, 399 b extend from the first upper end closure panel 334 a across the second wall panel 316 and into the second upper end closure panel 334 b.

The first handle reinforcing panel 312 comprises a third weakened line of severance 387 a. The third weakened line of severance 387 a extends across the first handle reinforcing panel 312 and into each of the first and third end reinforcing panels 322 a, 322 b. The third weakened line of severance 387 a substantially divides the first handle reinforcing panel 312 into a first portion 312 a and a second portion 312 b. The first portion 312 a is secured to the handle strap 361 a, the second portion 312 b is secured to a first region of the second wall panel 316 adjacent to the handle strap 361 a.

The second handle reinforcing panel 320 comprises a fourth weakened line of severance 387 b. The fourth weakened line of severance 387 b extends across the second handle reinforcing panel 320 and into each of the second and fourth end reinforcing panels 346 a, 346 b. The fourth weakened line of severance 387 b substantially divides the second handle reinforcing panel 320 into a first portion 320 a and a second portion 320 b. The first portion 320 a is secured to the first portion 312 a of the first handle reinforcing panel 312, the second portion is secured to a second region of the second wall panel 316 adjacent to the handle strap 361 a, the second region being disposed on an opposing side of the handle strap 361 a to the first region.

The third weakened line of severance 387 a is arranged to be substantially in registry with the first weakened line of severance 399 a when in a set up condition.

The fourth weakened line of severance 387 b is arranged to be substantially in registry with the second weakened line of severance 399 b when in a set up condition.

As illustrated in FIG. 10 the handle strap 361 a and the first portions 312 a, 320 a of the first and second handle reinforcing panels 312, 320 together form a carrying handle. The carrying handle can be displaced upwardly in the centre such that a user may grasp the handle strap 361 a to transport the carton 390.

Referring to FIG. 11 , there is shown a plan view of a blank 410 for forming a carton or carrier (not shown). The blank 410 is unitary, that is to say the second blank 70 of FIG. 2 is not required to form a complete carton. The blank 410 comprises a first base wall panel 408 a and a second base wall panel 408 b which together form a composite base wall 408 a/408 b of the carton.

The sixth blank 410 comprises a plurality of main panels 408 a, 414, 416, 418, 408 b hinged one to the next in a linear series. The plurality of main panels 408 a, 414, 416, 418, 408 b of the blank 410 form walls of a carton in a set up condition. The first base wall panel 408 a is hinged to a first wall panel 414 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 411 a. The first wall panel 414 forms a first side wall of the carton. The first wall panel 414 is hinged to a second wall panel 416 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 415. The second wall panel 416 forms a top wall of the carton. The second wall panel 416 is hinged to a third wall panel 418 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 417. The third wall panel 418 forms a second side wall 418 of the carton. The third wall panel 418 is hinged to a second base wall panel 408 b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 411 b.

In order to accommodate the first and second base wall panels 408 a, 408 b the position of the fold lines 427 a, 427 b, 447 a, 447 b must be adjusted. The dimensions of the first, second, third and fourth inner anchor panels 428 a, 428 b, 440 a, 440 b; the first, second, third and fourth outer anchor panels 426 a, 426 b, 442 a, 442 b; and the first, second, third and fourth bridging panels 424 a, 424 b, 444 a, 444 b are increased in length to accommodate the first and second base wall panels 408 a, 408 b between the second wall panel 416 and the respective one of the first and second handle reinforcing panels 412, 420.

The distance d/2 between the fold line 427 a and the proximal edge of the handle strap portion defined in the second wall panel 416 should be around one half the distance d between the fold line 415 and the proximal edge of the central portion of the first handle reinforcing panel 412. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11 , a cutaway or recess is struck from an edge of the first handle reinforcing panel 412. This recess is created by the aperture A1, see FIG. 1 . It will be appreciated that a similar relationship for the fold lines 427 b, 447 a, 447 b is required.

The present disclosure provides a carton for packaging one or more articles. The carton comprises a first side wall, a second side wall and a top portion. The carton may be formed from one unitary blank or from two or more distinct blanks; the top portion may be formed from one of the two or more distinct blanks. The top portion comprises or is defined in part by a top wall panel, formed from the second wall panel and a first upper end closure panel. The first upper end closure panel is hinged to the top wall panel along a first end edge thereof. The carton comprises a carrying handle defined in the top portion. A first gusset panel is hinged to the first upper end closure panel along a first side edge. A first anchor panel is hinged to the first gusset panel and to the first side wall. The first anchor panel is folded into a face to face relationship with the first side panel so as to secure the first upper end closure panel in a closed condition. The carton comprises a first handle reinforcing structure disposed at least in part about the carrying handle. Optionally, the first handle reinforcing structure is defined in part by a handle reinforcing panel and in part by at least one end reinforcing panel. The first handle reinforcing structure is coupled to the first anchor panel by two or more connecting panels. The connecting panels may be provided by one of the bridging panels and the respective one of the outer anchor panels hinged thereto.

It will be recognized that as used herein, directional references such as “top”, “bottom”, “base”, “front”, “back”, “end”, “side”, “inner”, “outer”, “upper” and “lower” do not necessarily limit the respective panels to such orientation, but may merely serve to distinguish these panels from one another.

As used herein, the terms “hinged connection” and “fold line” refer to all manner of lines that define hinge features of the blank, facilitate folding portions of the blank with respect to one another, or otherwise indicate optimal panel folding locations for the blank. Any reference to “hinged connection” should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed a hinged connection can be formed from two or more fold lines wherein each of the two or more fold lines may be either straight/linear or curved/curvilinear in shape. When linear fold lines form a hinged connection, they may be disposed parallel with each other or be slightly angled with respect to each other. When curvilinear fold lines form a hinged connection, they may intersect each other to define a shaped panel within the area surrounded by the curvilinear fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may comprise a pair of arched or arcuate fold lines intersecting at two points such that they define an elliptical panel therebetween. A hinged connection may be formed from one or more linear fold lines and one or more curvilinear fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may comprise a combination of a linear fold line and an arched or arcuate fold line which intersect at two points such that they define a half moon-shaped panel therebetween.

As used herein, the term “fold line” may refer to one of the following: a scored line, an embossed line, a debossed line, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, an interrupted cut line, a line of aligned slits, a line of scores and any combination of the aforesaid options.

It should be understood that hinged connections and fold lines can each include elements that are formed in the substrate of the blank including perforations, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, a cut line, an interrupted cut line, slits, scores, any combination thereof, and the like. The elements can be dimensioned and arranged to provide the desired functionality. For example, a line of perforations can be dimensioned or designed with degrees of weakness to define a fold line and/or a severance line. The line of perforations can be designed to facilitate folding and resist breaking, to facilitate folding and facilitate breaking with more effort, or to facilitate breaking with little effort.

The phrase “in registry with” as used herein refers to the alignment of two or more elements in an erected carton, such as an aperture formed in a first of two overlapping panels and a second aperture formed in a second of two overlapping panels. Those elements in registry with each other may be aligned with each other in the direction of the thickness of the overlapping panels. For example, when an aperture in a first panel is “in registry with” a second aperture in a second panel that is placed in an overlapping arrangement with the first panel, an edge of the aperture may extend along at least a portion of an edge of the second aperture and may be aligned, in the direction of the thickness of the first and second panels, with the second aperture. 

1. A carton for packaging one or more articles, the carton comprising: a first side wall; a top portion formed in part by a top wall panel and a first upper end closure panel hinged to the top wall panel along a first end edge thereof; a carrying handle defined in the top portion; a first gusset panel hinged to the first upper end closure panel along a first side edge; a first anchor panel hinged to the first gusset panel and to the first side wall, the first anchor panel being folded into a face to face relationship with the first side panel so as to secure the first upper end closure panel in a closed condition; and a first handle reinforcing structure disposed at least in part about the carrying handle, wherein the first handle reinforcing structure is coupled to the first anchor panel by two or more first connecting panels.
 2. A carton according to claim 1 comprising: a second upper end closure panel hinged to the top wall panel along a second end edge thereof; a second gusset panel hinged to the second upper end closure panel along a first side edge; a second anchor panel hinged to the second gusset panel and to the first side wall, the second anchor panel being folded into a face to face relationship with the first side panel so as to secure the second upper closure panel in a closed condition; wherein the first handle reinforcing structure is coupled to the second anchor panel by two or more second connecting panels.
 3. A carton according to claim 1 wherein the carrying handle comprises a handle strap portion defined in the top wall panel by a pair of openings defined in the top wall panel.
 4. A carton according to claim 3 wherein each of the pair of openings is defined at least in part by a cushioning flap hinged to the handle strap portion.
 5. A carton according to claim 1 wherein the carrying handle comprises an aperture defined in the top wall panel of the carton.
 6. A carton according to claim 1 wherein the carrying handle comprises an aperture defined in the at least one upper end closure panel.
 7. A carton according to claim 1 wherein the carrying handle comprises a strap which is deployable through an opening in the top wall panel.
 8. A carton according to claim 1 wherein the carrying handle comprises a strap which is automatically deployed through an aperture in the top wall panel when the at least one end closure panel is folded with respect to the top wall panel.
 9. A carton according to claim 1 wherein the top portion is formed from a first blank and the carton comprises a base portion including a base panel formed from a second blank.
 10. A carton according to claim 1 wherein the carton is of the wrap-around type and comprises a second side wall and a base wall formed from a single unitary blank.
 11. A carton according to claim 1 wherein the carton comprises: a second side wall; a third gusset panel hinged to the first upper end closure panel along a second side edge opposing the first side edge; a fourth gusset panel hinged to the second upper end closure panel along a second side edge opposing the first side edge; a third anchor panel hinged to the third gusset panel and to the second side wall, the third anchor panel being folded into a face to face relationship with the second side panel so as to secure the first upper end closure panel in a closed condition; a fourth anchor panel hinged to the fourth gusset panel and to the second side wall, the fourth anchor panel being folded into a face to face relationship with the second side panel so as to secure the second upper end closure panel in a closed condition; and a second handle-reinforcing structure disposed at least in part about the carrying handle, wherein the second handle reinforcing structure is coupled to the third anchor panel by two or more third connecting panels and to the fourth anchor panel by two or more fourth connecting panels.
 12. A blank for forming a carton, the blank comprising: a first side wall panel; a top portion formed in part by a top wall panel and a first upper end closure panel hinged to the top wall panel along a first end edge thereof; a carrying handle; a first gusset panel hinged to the first upper end closure panel along a first side edge; a first anchor panel hinged to the first gusset panel and to the first side wall panel; and a handle reinforcing structure comprising a first handle reinforcing panel coupled to the first anchor panel by two or more first connecting panels. 